elloskipper
Where do I even start?
I'm 19 years old and a nursing student attending university. I've always struggled with my weight--I'd like to blame it on genetics (my parents were/are overweight) but it's unfair to say I had nothing to do with it.
I was used to being the fat, funny girl, who everyone is friends with. And to be honest, I was sick and tired of it--of being on the outside. I hated how I looked and felt, and the kind of message I was sending to my patients as a nurse. How could I tell someone that they needed to adjust their diet and exercise to get their diabetes in control when I could barely make healthy decisions myself? I was a mess. I was clinically depressed and the weight wasn't helping. I had no energy, I felt like crap, and I was ashamed of the way I looked. I was a member of the "eat-my-feelings club." I was stressed because of school and I ate. I was annoyed because I ate so I ate some more.
Being in university is supposed to be fun, and a great time in my life. I was miserable.
My mom had her surgery in May of 2009 after reaching 411 pounds, the heaviest she's ever been. Soon after, the weight started coming off and I noticed how much better she felt and her new found self esteem. So I asked my doctor, who had been harping on me for years about ending up like my mom. He supported it, and I started to do some research with the help of my mom. I applied through the provincial government to see if they would cover the surgery for me. They did, and so I started the six month process. I had never been so anxious to get on an operating table.
It's been four months and I've lost 54 pounds so far. People are starting to notice and I feel better, and I'm definitely eating better. I don't regret it. I'm just starting, but I know it'll be good.
